Spokane recently enacted an ordinance that allows beekeeping in urban areas. For persons and communities interested in enacting similar ordinances, we are providing information regarding the approval process. It is intended to be a reference point for other beekeepers seeking for information on how to propose zoning changes in their own city to allow urban beekeeping.

Like many cities in the United States, the municipal code of Spokane, WA prohibited beekeeping on residential properties within the city limits. This, unfortunately, kept the safe, educational, and environmentally beneficial hobby of urban beekeeping out of reach of many interested families.

When we started to research how to propose a change to the municipal zoning code, we found little information on the subject. So, in order to promote the acceptance of hobby beekeeping in urban environments, we have provided some of our research sources to those who are interested in proposing similar legislation in their own community.

Spokane Planning Commission Draft of Proposed Urban Beekeeping Amendment:

17A.020.020 Definitions
Bee. Means any stage of development of the common domestic honeybee, Apis mellifera species.
Beekeeper. Means a person owning, possessing or controlling one or more colonies of bees.
Colony. Means a hive and its equipment and appurtenances, including one queen, bees, comb, honey, pollen and brood.
Hive. Means any Langstroth type structure with movable-frames intended for the housing of a bee colony. A hive typically consists of a cover, honey supers, brood chambers and a bottom board.

17C.310.130 Beekeeping
A. Where permitted. Beekeeping is allowed as an accessory use on any lot occupied by a single-family residence that is in the RA, RSF, RTF, RMF and RHD zones. Beekeeping for educational or research purposes by an institution such as college, high school or agricultural extension office is allowed as a (Option 1: Type II or Option 2: Type III) conditional use permit in all other zones, subject to the requirements of section 17C.310.130(B)(1) through (6).

B. Standards Applicable to Beekeeping. Beekeeping is subject to the following standards:
1. Location, Density and Maintenance of Colonies.
a. The number of colonies is limited to one colony per four thousand three hundred fifty square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of eight colonies regardless of lot size, and
b. Colonies shall be setback a minimum of twenty-five feet of any property line, except that a colony may be situated within ten feet of a side lot line or rear lot line provided the following provisions are met:
i. the beehives are isolated from public access by a security fence as required under 17C.110.230 (F); and
ii. the beekeeper establishes and maintains a flyway barrier at least six feet in height consisting of a solid wall, solid fencing material, dense vegetation or combination thereof that is parallel to the property line and extends ten feet beyond the colony in each direction so that all bees are forced to fly at an elevation of at least six feet above ground level over the property lines in the vicinity of the colony; or
iii. the colony is situated ten feet or more above the grade of the nearest adjoining property line.

2. Colonies shall be maintained in movable-frame hives with adequate space and management techniques to prevent overcrowding and swarming.
3. In any instance in which a colony exhibits aggressive or swarming behavior, the beekeeper must ensure that the colony is re-queened. Aggressive behavior is any instance in which unusual aggressive characteristics such as stinging or attacking with provocation occurs.
4. Every beekeeper shall maintain an adequate supply of water for bees located close to each colony.
5. Registrations and Training.
a. All colonies shall be registered with the Director of the State Department of Agriculture pursuant to RCW 15.60.021 no later than April 1st of each year.
b. The beekeeper shall have completed the requirements for apprenticeship level of the Washington State Beekeeper’s Association master beekeeper certification program.

To see the code as it was enacted in the City of Spokane, Visit the Spokane City Code Link.

Other zoning resources
LSU Model Beekeeping Ordinance This publication includes information on inspection, proper care, maintenance registration, number of colonies, site selection and rules for correct beekeeping.

Proposed amendment for Vancouver B.C. The changes were recently adopted and currently urban beekeeping is regulated and promoted in the city.

Policy Report - Hobby Beekeeping (Urban Apiculture) in Vancouver

Free Online Legal Resources:
Overview of Municipal Animal Control Ordinances Michigan State University College of Law: Animal Legal & Historical Web Center

AnimalLaw.com AnimalLaw.com provides access to legislation and legal matters pertaining to the rights and welfare of animals. AnimalLaw.com supports information concerning animal cruelty, animal control, laboratory animal welfare, the use of animals in education, product testing and in the laboratory, animal control issues, and general animal welfare.

www.beesource.com/eob/laws/court.htm
Significant court cases used in other states as precedents of law


Urban Beekeeping Articles:
A taste of honey Urban beekeeping may already be buzzing in a neighborhood near you.
By Kert Fisher

Beekeeping in the city: That urban buzz you hear is not just the local gossip
By Stefanie Cohen

City dwellers get a buzz from the simple joy of beekeeping
By Amelia Hill - Sunday April 11, 2004 The Observer

Urban Beekeepers are keeping the honeybee alive and well in San Francisco
By Gregory Dicum, Special to SF Gate

The Secret Life of New York Bees
By Kate Hinds


Cities that allow and regulate urban beekeeping:
San Diego, CA Municipal Code - Beekeeping

Fort Collins, CO Municipal Code - Beekeeping

Boise, ID Municipal Code - Beekeeping

Seattle, WA Municipal Code - Beekeeping

Citrus Heights, CA - Urban Beekeeping

Sacremento, CA - Beekeeping